Livestock loader and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/326,739, U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,190, filed Dec. 15,2011, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/423,434, filed Dec. 15, 2010, entitled“Livestock Loader;” these applications are fully incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

Livestock is typically raised in a facility that is remote from arendering facility. Thus, the animals must be transported from thefacility in which they are raised to the rendering facility, typicallyby a vehicle such a semi-truck trailer having multiple levels of animaltransport decks. Typically, livestock such as hogs are conveyed from astructure such a barn to a truck trailer by means of a ramped gang way.Because the deck levels of the truck are generally higher in elevationthan a level of the barn door, the livestock must generally negotiate anuphill inclined ramp. Moreover, such a gang way is usually exposed tothe elements, thereby causing the livestock to encounter an environmentvery different from that within the barn. Such changes in environmentand the physical exertion required to climb the ramp can cause stress inthe animals. Hogs, in particular, are particularly vulnerable to suchstress, which can increase mortality and cause physical changes in theirbodies that can undesirably affect the quality of the meat producedtherefrom.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed through which livestock animalsmove between a building and a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a firstcompartment and a second compartment. The first compartment comprises afirst extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. Thesecond compartment is vertically movable with respect to the firstcompartment and comprises a second extension that is horizontallyextendable and retractable.

In another aspect, a method comprises positioning a first end of anapparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality oflivestock animals; extending a first extension from the first end of theapparatus to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second endof the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from thebuilding, onto the first extension and into a first compartment of theapparatus; moving the at least one of the livestock animals from thefirst compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the secondcompartment of the apparatus to a level of a deck of the vehicle;extending a second extension from the second end of the apparatus to thedeck; and moving the at least one of the livestock animals from thesecond compartment, onto the second extension and onto the vehicle deck.

This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form thatare further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary isnot intended to identify key features or essential features of thedisclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe eachdisclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimedsubject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect toone embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, thissummary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope ofthe claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, andrelationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. Thefigures and the description that follow more particularly exemplifyillustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference tothe attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements arereferred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary livestock loader.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation schematic of an exemplary livestock loaderpositioned between a barn and a transport vehicle, configured forloading livestock onto a lower deck of the transport vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation schematic of an exemplary livestock loaderpositioned between a barn and a transport vehicle, configured forloading livestock onto an upper deck of the transport vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary livestock loader withan interior box telescoped out of the slider pen; portions of the roofare removed for clarity of description.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the exemplary livestock loader withthe roof and top portions of the sidewalls removed for clarity ofdescription.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a wheel well of the exemplarylivestock loader with the wheels raised up into the well, and the loaderresting on adjustable legs.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a wheel well of the exemplarylivestock loader with the wheels moving toward a lowered position.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a wheel well of the exemplarylivestock loader with the wheels lowered to the ground and with theadjustable legs raised into the frame.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing steps in an exemplary method for usingthe loader to move animals from a barn to a transport vehicle.

While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated,as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents thedisclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. Itshould be understood that numerous other modifications and embodimentscan be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scopeand spirit of the principles of this disclosure.

The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features maybe enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, whereterms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left,etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for easeof understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures maybe oriented otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a livestock loader that keeps thelivestock in a substantially enclosed environment while eliminating theneed for the livestock to negotiate an upward inclined ramp. Thesefeatures allow for the transport of such livestock from a barn to atransportation vehicle while minimizing stress on the animals.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary livestock loader 20.In an exemplary embodiment, livestock loader 20 includes three primarycompartments: slider pen 22, intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment26. In an exemplary embodiment, the three compartments 22, 24 and 26 aredisposed on a frame 28 that is carried upon wheels 30 and adjustablelegs or leveling jacks 32.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, after loader 20 is positioned betweenbarn 56 and transport vehicle 58, animals may be ushered from barn 58through slider pen 22, intermediate pen 24, lift compartment 26, andinto transport vehicle 58. In FIG. 2, loader 20 is configured to allowanimals to be moved onto a lower deck 40 of transport vehicle 58. FIG. 3shows lift compartment 26 in a raised position, as it would be forloading animals onto an elevated deck 42 of transport vehicle 58.

To transport loader 20 to a facility in which livestock are raised, suchas a barn, loader 20 is typically towed by a vehicle via a hitch coupler38 on a front of loader 20. For purposes of description, direction 34will be considered the front or forward direction because it is the endof loader 20 that will be primarily pulled forward during transport.Thus, direction 36 will be considered the back or rear direction. In anexemplary embodiment, hitch coupler 38 is attached to loader 20 by amechanism that allows it to be moved out of the way once towed to thedesired position. In an exemplary use, a truck or other vehicle having asuitable hitch (e.g., a fifth wheel coupling) is coupled to hitchcoupler 38.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing steps in an exemplary method 134 forusing the loader to move animals from a barn to a transport vehicle.However, other steps and step sequencing are also described in thisdisclosure. Moreover, some steps may be performed more than once, asdiscussed below.

In an exemplary use, a vehicle operator tows loader 20 to a livestockraising facility such as barn 56, shown in FIG. 2. Once loader 20 ispositioned so that slider pen 22 is placed proximate a facility openingsuch as a barn doorway 60, as described at step 136 of FIG. 9, theoperator can unhitch the towing vehicle from hitch coupler 38. Theoperator then removes pins (not shown) connecting right swing arm 44 andleft swing arm 50 (see FIG. 1). This allows right arm 44 to swing indirection 46 about pivot pin 48. Similarly, the operator can swing leftarm 50 in direction 52 about pivot pin 54. In an exemplary embodiment,each arm 44, 50 can be pivoted to rest along the sides of frame 28, asshown in FIG. 5. With hitch coupler 38 thereby moved out of the way, alivestock transport vehicle 58, shown in FIG. 2, can then be maneuveredproximate the front end of the loader 20 for loading livestock from liftcompartment 26, as described at step 140 of FIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 2and 3, loader 20 is thereby positioned between barn 56 and transportvehicle 58.

FIGS. 1-3 show adjustable legs 32 in a ground-contacting position; it isto be understood that during transport, adjustable legs 32 will beretracted up into frame 28, shown in FIG. 8. When loader 20 has beenpositioned by towing vehicle, adjustable legs 32 may then be extendeddownward to contact the ground surface 124 and be adjusted as desired toposition frame 28.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, loader 20 is positioned so that slider pen 22is proximate barn doorway 60. However, a gap 62 may remain betweenloader 20 and the barn doorway 60. To close gap 62, slider pen 22 in anexemplary embodiment is provided with a horizontally extendable andretractable extension such telescoping interior box 64 that extendshorizontally from slider pen 22 toward barn 56 to close gap 62, asdescribed at step 138 of FIG. 9. FIG. 4 is an exterior view of interiorbox 64 telescoped out of slider pen 22. In an exemplary embodiment,telescoping interior box 64 includes a floor 74, a ceiling (not shown),and two side walls 76, thus enclosing the box and isolating an interiorof box 64 from an exterior thereof. Thus, animals conveyed through box64 and into slider pen 22 will be protected and sheltered from exposureto outside environmental factors (e.g., wind, rain, snow, sunlight,etc). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, flexible gaskets (not shown)are provided on the rear wall and ceiling edges of box 64 to effectivelyseal box 64 against and exterior wall of barn 56. In an exemplaryembodiment, each gasket is formed from a rolled sheet of plasticmaterial. Once extended, floor 74 of box 64 rests on a concrete slab 66disposed outside barn doorway 60. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment,level transitions are provided for animals to traverse; first from barn56 into loader 20 and later from loader 20 to transport vehicle 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, hydraulic cylinders 68 are disposedhorizontally along side walls 70 within channels 72. Hydraulic cylinders68 control the telescoping extent of interior box 64 within slider pen22. In an exemplary embodiment, all hydraulic cylinders of loader 20 areactuated through hydraulic lines connected to a hydraulic source thatmay, for example, be disposed on a towing vehicle. In an exemplaryembodiment, hydraulic cylinders 68 on the left and right sides of loader20 are independently plumbed so that they can be extended to differentextents to meet the barn wall at an angle in case loader 20 is notpositioned exactly perpendicular to the barn wall. As illustrated, righthydraulic cylinder 72 is extended to a greater extent than lefthydraulic cylinder 72, thereby allowing box 64 to close an angle α(alpha) between loader 20 and barn 56.

Once loader 20 is in position with telescoping interior box 64 extendedto surround the doorway 60 of barn 56, barn doorway 60 is opened toallow animals to be moved (i.e., be ushered or herded) into slider pen22, as described at step 142 of FIG. 9. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, theanimals are contained within slider pen 22 by a movable door or barrier80. In this description, the terms doors and barriers areinterchangeable. In an exemplary embodiment, barrier 80 is anupward-acting sectional door whose movement is manually actuated by apull cord or hydraulically, mechanically, or electrically actuated by alever or other control. In an exemplary embodiment, barrier 80 is apartial barrier that is open at the top. Thus, while the animalsencounter the lower portion of barrier 80, air movement and visual sightlines for human operators is maintained. Barriers or doors, with windowsor without, that extend partially or fully the height of eachcompartment 22, 24 and 26 can be used. Such barriers or doors may beformed of solid panel sections, open slat panels, and mesh panels ofrequisite strength, for example. Moreover, other styles of movable doorsand barriers can be used (e.g., swinging gate, collapsible, etc.). Whenslider pen 22 is full of animals or at another desired time, an operatormay lift or otherwise open barrier 80, thereby allowing the animals tomove into intermediate pen 24. Animals such as hogs are often wary ofmoving into large empty spaces, so the division of loader 20 intosmaller compartments facilitates the movement of the animalstherethrough. However, when desired, the barrier 80 may be left open tofacilitate faster movement of animals through loader 20.

A movable double door or barrier is provided between intermediate pen 24and lift compartment 26 as shown in FIG. 5 to contain the animals withineach of the intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26 as liftcompartment 26 moves vertically with respect to intermediate pen 24. Inan exemplary embodiment, first door 86 in pen 24 is an upward-actingsectional door. Side walls 88 of intermediate pen 24 are provided withwheel wells 90 surrounding wheels 30. In an exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 88 are provided with ports 92 for selective ventilation. Forexample, in warm weather, ports 92 may be opened to allow fresh air tocirculate into intermediate compartment 24 from the outside. Moreover,fans can be used to blow air through intermediate pen 24 via ports 92.At other times, such as during cold weather, ports 92 can be closed toprevent exterior air from coming into intermediate pen 24. In anexemplary embodiment, an access door 84 is provided on side wall 88 toallow a person to easily enter and exit intermediate pen 24.

In FIG. 5, lift compartment 26 is shown lowered to the horizontal levelof intermediate pen 24. In such a case, a user may open first door 86and second door 94 (in compartment 26) between intermediate pen 24 andlift compartment 26 to allow animals to move from intermediate pen 24 tolift compartment 26. The movement of animals from slider pen 22 to liftcompartment 26 (via intermediate pen 24 in the illustrated loader 20) isdescribed in step 144 of FIG. 9. This movement can be encouraged byclosing barrier 80 between slider pen 22 and intermediate pen 24 and/orusing a hand-held board to close off rear access, thereby encouragingthe animals to move forward. Once the animals are in lift compartment26, second door 94 between intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26is closed to contain the animals as lift compartment 26 is movedvertically up to the desired elevation, as described in step 146 of FIG.9. Typically, an operator is in the lift compartment 26 with the animalsso that he can operate the necessary controls to arrange for the exit ofanimals from lift compartment 26 to transport vehicle 58. In anexemplary embodiment, second door 94 is very similar in construction tofirst door 86. At least one of doors 86, 94 is preferably solid on atleast a bottom portion so that animals in intermediate pen 24 do not seethe vertical movement of animals in lift compartment 26 and vice versa.

At that time, an operator can begin reloading slider pen 22 with anothergroup of animals. The provision of two staging areas, the first inslider pen 22 and the second in intermediate pen 24, allows for quickerloading of animals ultimately into transport vehicle 58. Slider pen 22is effectively a continuation of barn 56 while intermediate pen 24 is aholding pen sized approximately the same as lift compartment 26, wherethe animals wait as lift compartment 26 transports other animals to thecorrect elevation for movement onto transport vehicle 58.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, horizontally extendable and retractableextension 98 bridges a gap between lift compartment 26 and a lower deck40 or upper deck 42 of transport vehicle 58. Floor section 104 ofextension 98 extends and retracts horizontally from under the floorsection of lift compartment 26 along the directions 34 and 36. Aswiveling floor portion 106 is attached to floor section 104 and pivotsabout pivot point 108. In an exemplary embodiment, swiveling portion 106has a range of motion of about 180 degrees so that animals can bedirected to the left or right from extension 98 or any direction betweenthe left and right extremes. The side walls of extension 98 includedoors 110 (shown open in FIG. 5) that may be selectively positioned toclose opening 110 a at the forward end of lift compartment 26. The sidewalls of extension 98 further include gates 111 positioned near a frontend of swiveling portion 106, and flexible wall sections 112 thathorizontally extend and retract from doors 110 to the extent needed toallow the side walls of extension 98 to accommodate various lengths andorientations of extension 98. In an exemplary embodiment, flexible wallsections 112 are constructed of a hard rubber sheet material.

In an exemplary embodiment, a set of interior gates 96 is providedinside of doors 110 to selectively close off opening 110 a in order tocontain the animals in lift compartment 26 even as the operator opensdoors 110, extends floor section 104, directs the angle of swivelingportion 106, and extends wall sections 112, as described in step 148 ofFIG. 9. In an exemplary embodiment, gates 96 are manually operable by anoperator positioned in lift compartment 26 while gates 111 arehydraulically operable by the operator. In an exemplary embodiment shownin FIG. 5, gates 96 pivot open and shut as indicated by arrows 100 andgates 111 pivot open and shut as indicated by arrows 113. While FIG. 5shows gates 96 closed and gates 111 open, an operator may choose to opengates 96 while leaving gates 111 closed, so that animals are allowedonto floor section 104 while extension 98 is being positioned relativeto vehicle 58. This facilitates faster unloading of the animals andalleviates crowding in lift compartment 26.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least some of these steps may beperformed by the operator by actuating controls for hydraulic cylindersthat open and close doors 110, extend and retract floor section 104,change the angle of swiveling portion 106, extend and retract flexiblewall sections 112 and open and close gates 111. Therefore, the operatormay remain in lift compartment 26 with the animals until extension 98 isready for the animals to move onto it. In an exemplary embodiment, thefront end of lift compartment 26 has a tapered shape provided by angledwalls 114 so that animals are naturally funneled out of the gates 96 andonto extension 98.

The second operator ushers the livestock animals from lift compartment26, onto extension 98 and onto the vehicle deck 40, 42, as described instep 150 of FIG. 9. After the animals in lift compartment 26 have movedonto transport vehicle 58, an operator typically closes gates 111 andretracts extension 98 and flexible wall sections 112 just enough toclear the vehicle 58 to allow for vertical movement of lift compartment26. Generally, gates 96 and doors 110 may remain open as side wallportions of extension 98. The operator lowers the empty lift compartment26. When lift compartment 26 is lowered, an operator can then open firstdoor 86 and second door 94 between intermediate pen 24 and liftcompartment 26 to allow movement of all the animals from intermediatepen 24 to lift compartment 26.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of legs 32 of loader frame 28 isindependently adjustable in an exemplary embodiment. In one arrangement,it may be necessary to extend legs 32 at different lengths from loaderframe 28 to accommodate the terrain adjacent the barn 56 in an attemptto make the floor of the loader 20 as level as possible. Thus, from theanimals' perspective, all movement between barn 56 and lift compartment26 is conducted at substantially a single elevation so that the animalsare not required to negotiate up or down inclined ramps as animals movefrom a building to a transport vehicle via loader 20.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, in an exemplary embodiment, each wheel 30 ismounted on an eccentric arm assembly 118 so that a vertical position ofthe wheels 30 relative to frame 28 can be adjusted. FIG. 6 is a sideelevation view of wheel well 90 with the wheels 30 (shown in phantom)raised up into well 90, and the loader 10 resting on ground surface 124via adjustable legs 32. In an exemplary embodiment, adjustable legs 32are hydraulically actuated. Moreover, the vertical position of wheels 30is hydraulically controlled. In an exemplary embodiment, hydrauliccylinder 126 is in an extended configuration when the wheels 30 areraised relative to frame 28, as shown in FIG. 6. Loader 10 is typicallyin this configuration during a livestock loading operation. When thelivestock loading is complete, before lowering wheels 30 relative toframe 28 of loader 10, adjustable legs 32 are extended to provideclearance for the wheel lowering operation, which is hydraulicallycontrolled. FIG. 7 shows wheels 30 moving toward a lowered position withretraction of hydraulic cylinder 126. FIG. 8 shows wheels 30 lowered tothe ground surface 124 with hydraulic cylinder 126 retracted andadjustable leg 32 raised into the frame 28 of loader 10. In an exemplaryembodiment, wheels 30 are lowered during transport (as in FIG. 8) andthen raised once positioned for livestock loading (as in FIG. 6) so thatframe 28 rests on ground surface 124 atop adjustable legs 132.

In an exemplary embodiment, a lock mechanism is provided for maintaininga vertical position of the plurality of wheels 30 relative to the frame28. An eccentric arm assembly 118 links each of the wheels 30 to frame28. In the illustrated embodiment, the eccentric arm assemblies 118 ineach of left and right wells 90 are linked by bar 128 that has a firstlocking bore 130. In the position shown in FIG. 8, first locking bore130 is aligned with second locking bore 132 in frame 28. Thus, a pin(not shown) may be inserted into both first locking bore 130 and secondlocking bore 132 to mechanically fix wheels 30 in the lowered position,which would be the configuration during towing of loader 20 on wheels30. Thus, even in the event of a hydraulic failure (i.e., a fluid leak),the position of the wheels 30 is maintained. While particular examplesof a wheel lift and lock mechanism are illustrated, other structures mayalso be used to achieve the wheel lifting, lowering and lockingfeatures.

In a typical method of use, an operator tows loader 20, which isattached by hitch coupler 38 onto a towing vehicle. Once the vehicleoperator positions loader 20 by a barn doorway 60, the operator candisengage hitch coupler 38 and pivot away arms 44 and 50, as discussedabove. Subsequently, a transport vehicle 58 can be positioned close tothe outlet of lift compartment 26. The operator extends adjustable legs32, raises wheels 30, and adjusts legs 32 if needed. The operatorhydraulically extends interior box 64 of slider pen 22 out toward barn56, thereby closing any gap 62 between slider pen 22 and barn 56.

As shown in FIG. 2, where no change in elevation is required betweenbarn doorway 60 and lower deck 40, the operator can initiallyhydraulically extend floor section 104 of extension 98 toward transportvehicle 58 and adjust swiveling portion 106 and flexible wall sections112, thereby closing any gap between lift compartment 26 and theapplicable deck 40, 42. The interior doors and gates of loader 20 can beinitially opened and the animals can be efficiently ushered throughslider pen 22, intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26 and onto deck40 of transport vehicle 58. However, in cases where the animals may bewary of moving into open spaces, the interior doors and gates may beinitially closed and then opened as the animals approach them or ahand-held barrier can be carried by an operator in front of the animalsso that they have a sense of enclosure.

In most cases, some raising of lift compartment 26 will be required evento reach the lower deck of a transport vehicle 58. An operator typicallycloses at least double doors 86 and 94 between intermediate pen 24 andlift compartment 26 before loading animals onto loader 20. When barndoorway 60 is opened, a first operator may usher animals from barn 56,through doorway 60, and into slider pen 22. Some animals preferrelatively closed quarters because they are more familiar with them. Inthis case, the operator may choose to keep barrier 80 closed untilslider pen 22 is substantially full of animals. Then the operator mayopen barrier 80, allowing animals to then move to intermediate pen 24.If lift compartment 26 is in a lowered position and ready for thereceipt of animals, second door 94 and first door 86 betweenintermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26 are opened to allow all theanimals in intermediate pen 24 to move into lift compartment 26. Oncelift compartment 26 is full, the first and second doors 86 and 94 areclosed, typically by a second operator working the lift compartment 26.Barrier 80 is then closed so that only the number of animals that willfit into lift compartment 26 are allowed into intermediate pen 24. In anexemplary embodiment, intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26 haveroughly equal floor areas.

At this stage, the first operator can again fill slider pen 22 andintermediate pen 24, in anticipation of filling the lift compartment 26with the next group of animals. In the meantime, the second operatoroperates a lift mechanism to raise lift compartment 26 to the desiredelevation, usually corresponding to the vertical level of a deck 40, 42of transport vehicle 58. The lift mechanism in an exemplary embodimentis powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders 120. In the illustratedembodiment, one hydraulic cylinder 120 is provided on each of the leftand right sides of lift compartment 26. As illustrated, the left andright hydraulic cylinders 120 are offset so that the left hydrauliccylinder is positioned toward a rear of lift compartment 26 while aright hydraulic cylinder is positioned toward a front of liftcompartment 26. This allows for unobstructed views through window 121 onlift compartment 26. In another embodiment, each of left and righthydraulic cylinders 120 is centrally positioned on lift compartment 26.Moreover, other numbers of placements of hydraulic cylinders 120 canalso be used. Further, two roller guide channel columns 122 are disposedon each of the left and right sides of lift compartment 126 to assuresmooth and vertical ascent and descent of lift compartment 26. Moreover,in an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulic flow controller (not shown) isused to equalize hydraulic fluid among the hydraulic cylinders 120 forsmooth and level vertical movement of lift compartment 26. Once liftcompartment 26 has been raised to the desired height, the secondoperator extends extension 98 toward transport vehicle 58, adjustsswiveling portion 106 and flexible wall sections 112, thereby closingany gap between lift compartment 26 and the applicable deck 40, 42, andhydraulically opens doors 111. The second operator then guides theanimals out of lift compartment 26.

The operator then retracts extension 98 at least partially to clearvehicle 58 and closes gates 111. Lift compartment 26 can then be loweredback down in preparation for loading the next group of animals, which isnow ready and waiting in intermediate pen 24. The sequence is typicallyrepeated until transport vehicle 58 is full and/or barn 56 is empty. Inan exemplary embodiment, loader 20 also includes electrical lights (andpossibly other components such as fans, heaters, etc.) connectable to apower source on barn 56. Thus, in a typical use, the animals will not beexposed to any outdoor environmental conditions except for when they areon the extension 98 between lift compartment 26 and transport vehicle58. In some embodiments, extension 98 may be configured as a closed box,similar to interior box 64 of slider pen 22, so that the entiretransport process between barn 56 and transport vehicle 58 is conductedwithout exposing the animals to outdoor environmental elements.

Once the desired animals are loaded into transport vehicle 58, loader 20is then prepared for transport to another location, such as anotherlivestock raising facility or a loader cleaning facility. In anexemplary method, a user fully retracts extension 98, closes doors 110,and lowers lift compartment 26. In an exemplary method, interior doors94, 86 and 80 of loader 20 are also closed to eliminate the possibilitythat they will close inadvertently during transport. Interior box 64 isretracted into slider pen 22. After transport vehicle 58 is driven awayfrom the front of loader 20, an operator can then swing the pivot arms44 and 50 back into position to reassemble hitch coupler 38, such aswith pins (not shown). A towing vehicle is then backed up to the frontof loader 20 and attached to hitch coupler 48. Wheels 30 arehydraulically lowered with respect to frame 28 and all of the adjustablelegs 32 are pulled up into frame 28 to provide for the greatest roadclearance (shown in FIG. 8). In a towing mode, loader 20 is supported bywheels 30 on the ground and by hitch coupler 38 on the towing vehicle.Once moved to another animal barn for continued use, the set-up stepsare repeated to orient the loader 20 between the doorway of the barn andthe expected animal transport trailer. The process of moving animalsthrough the loader 20 is then repeated until as many animals as desiredhave been removed from the barn and loaded into one or more trailers fortransport.

In a method where a change in elevation is used between intermediate pen24 and lift compartment 26, as the animals are conveyed throughlivestock loader 20, they have plenty of time to rest in each of sliderpen 22, intermediate pen 24, and lift compartment 26. Accordingly, theydo not experience undue stress. In an exemplary method of use, about 165hogs can be transferred from barn 56 to transport vehicle 58 in about 45minutes with minimal stress.

If all loading has been completed for the day, loader 20 is typicallytowed to a cleaning facility where it can be washed and disinfected. Inan exemplary embodiment, all floor and wall surfaces are constructed ofaluminum or stainless steel for ease of cleaning and durability. In anexemplary embodiment, floor panels are provided with a raised patternfor increased traction. In an exemplary embodiment, all components ofloader 20 are constructed to withstand the high temperatures of heatdisinfection. An exemplary cycle of heat disinfection subjects loader 20to a temperature of about 160 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes.

Exemplary method steps for the use of loader 20 follow.

Exemplary Steps for Transporting the Livestock Loader 20 to an AnimalRaising Facility Such as Barn 56 and Preparing the Loader 20 for Use

-   -   Attach loader 20 to the hitch of a towing vehicle by hitch        coupler 38 (all doors 80, 86, 94 closed; extension 98 retracted        into lift compartment 26; lift compartment 26 in lowered        position; interior box 64 retracted into slider pen 22; wheels        30 extended downward from frame 28 and position locked by pin;        adjustable legs 32 retracted upward into frame 28)    -   Tow loader 20 to barn 56 and back up slider pen 22 to barn door        60    -   Connect hydraulic lines (not shown) to a hydraulic power source        for selective operation of hydraulic cylinders on loader 20    -   Remove wheel lock pin    -   Hydraulically retract wheels 30 and extend leveling legs 32 (to        different extents if needed) to place slider pen 22 on concrete        slab 66 outside barn door 60 and level frame 28    -   Telescope interior box 64 of slider pen 22 out to meet the barn        wall around barn doorway 60    -   Unhitch loader 20 from the towing vehicle    -   Dismantle coupling hitch 38 by removing pins and swing arms 44,        50 to sides of loader frame 28    -   Drive towing vehicle away from the front of loader 20 so that        animal transport vehicle 58 can pull up to front of loader 20.        If the hydraulic source is on the towing vehicle, keep the        towing vehicle nearby and connected by hydraulic lines to power        the hydraulic cylinders on the loader (for, e.g., cylinders 120        for lift compartment 26).    -   Connect electrical lines to barn 56 to provide electrical power        for loader 20 (for, e.g., lights, fans, heaters, etc.) if needed    -   Position animal transport vehicle 58 at the front of loader 20,        near exit of lift compartment 26        Exemplary Steps for Moving Animals from Barn 56 to an Animal        Transport Vehicle 58 Using the Loader 20    -   Position a first operator near the rear of loader 20 (such as in        the barn 56) and a second operator near the front of loader 20        (such as in lift compartment 26)    -   The first operator opens barn door 60 and herds animals through        barn door 60 and into interior box 64 and slider pen 22    -   When slider pen 22 is full, the first operator opens barrier 80        between slider pen 22 and intermediate pen 24    -   First operator herds animals into intermediate pen 24    -   When intermediate pen 24 is full, the first operator closes        barrier 80 between intermediate pen 24 and slider pen 22 and the        first operator remains in intermediate pen 24    -   The first operator opens door 86 and the second operator opens        door 94 between intermediate pen 24 and lift compartment 26    -   The first operator herds animals from intermediate pen 24 into        lift compartment 26 and then closes door 86    -   The second operator closes door 94 and operates lift mechanism        (e.g., hydraulic cylinders 120) to the level of the desired        animal unloading deck in transport vehicle 58    -   The second operator opens doors 110, extends extension 98 toward        transport vehicle 58 and adjusts swiveling portion 106 and        flexible wall sections 112, thereby closing any gap between lift        compartment 26 and the applicable deck 40, 42    -   The second operator opens gates 111, allowing animals to move        from lift compartment 26 onto extension 98 and into transport        vehicle 58    -   Once the animals are in transport vehicle 58, the second        operator closes gates 111 and at least partially retracts        extension 98 to clear vehicle 58.    -   The second operator lowers lift compartment 26 back to the level        of intermediate compartment 24.    -   In the meantime, the first operator has directed another group        of animals into intermediate compartment 24, as described above,        to ready that group of animals for loading into lift compartment        26    -   This process is repeated until all the desired animals are        transferred from barn 56 into transport vehicle 58.    -   Transport vehicle 58 may be closed and driven away and another        transport vehicle parked adjacent a front of loader 20 for        continued loading, if desired        Exemplary Steps for Preparing Loader 20 for Transport to Another        Location.    -   The first operator checks that no animals remain in loader 20        and closes barn door 60    -   The second operator lowers lift compartment 26    -   The operators close doors 80, 86 and 94    -   Disconnect any electrical lines from barn 56    -   Retract interior box 64 of slider pen 22    -   Extend wheels 30 and retract leveling legs 32    -   Install wheel lock pin    -   Disengage hydraulic lines    -   Swing arms 44, 50 of coupling hitch 38 back into place and        install pins    -   Attach loader 20 to hitch of towing vehicle by hitch coupler 38    -   Tow loader 20 to another location

Although the subject of this disclosure has been described withreference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art willrecognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For instance, while theprocessing of animals through the loader is discussed in an exemplaryembodiment above as involving two operators, it is contemplated that theprocessing steps may be completed by more or fewer than two operators.Moreover, an order of the steps may be changed, and steps may be addedor deleted, as suitable for a particular application. Additionally,while many of the powered components are described by beinghydraulically powered, other powered mechanisms may also be used, suchas those employing manual, mechanical, or electrical means, for example.Moreover, elements such as vents, windows, ports and doors may be addedto the roof, walls, and barriers to increase ventilation, light, access,and sight lines in loader 20. In addition, any feature disclosed withrespect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, andvice-versa.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: positioning a first end ofan apparatus proximate an area that contains a plurality of animals;extending a first extension from the first end of the apparatus towardthe area; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus;moving a first animal from the area, onto the first extension and into afirst compartment of the apparatus; opening a first barrier, wherein thefirst barrier is positioned between the first compartment and a secondcompartment; moving the first animal from the first compartment to thesecond compartment; vertically moving the second compartment of theapparatus to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a secondextension from the second end of the apparatus to the deck; and movingthe first animal from the second compartment, onto the second extensionand onto the vehicle deck.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingmoving the first animal from the first compartment and into a thirdcompartment before moving the first animal from the third compartment tothe second compartment.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the animal inthe third compartment is moved to the second compartment beforevertically moving the second compartment.
 4. The method of claim 2further comprising opening a second barrier, wherein the second barrieris positioned between the first compartment and the third compartment.5. The method of claim 2 further comprising opening a second barrier,wherein the second barrier is positioned between the second compartmentand the third compartment.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein extendingthe first extension comprises moving the first extension horizontally.7. The method of claim 1 wherein extending the first extension comprisestelescoping the first extension from an interior of the firstcompartment.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein extending the firstextension comprises extending a first side of the first extension to adifferent extent than extending a second side of the first extension. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein extending the second extension comprisesmoving the second extension horizontally.
 10. The method of claim 1wherein extending the second extension comprises swiveling a portion ofthe second extension about a pivot point.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising extending a plurality of legs from the apparatus tocontact a ground surface.
 12. The method of claim 11 comprisingextending at least some of the plurality of legs to different extents.13. The method of claim 1 further comprising changing a verticalposition of a wheel relative to a frame of the apparatus.
 14. A methodof animal loading using a portable loader comprises: moving a firstanimal on a substantially horizontal path from an area that contains aplurality of animals into a first compartment of the loader; moving thefirst animal on the substantially horizontal path from the firstcompartment into a second compartment of the loader; closing a barrierbetween the first compartment and the second compartment; changing anelevation of the second compartment relative to the first compartmentwhile the first animal is in the second compartment; and moving a secondanimal on the substantially horizontal path from the area into the firstcompartment while the first animal is in the second compartment.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 further comprising extending a first extension from afirst end of the loader toward the area.
 16. The method of claim 14further comprising extending a second extension from a second end of theloader toward a vehicle.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein extendingthe second extension comprises swiveling a portion of the secondextension about a pivot point.
 18. A method of animal loading using aportable loader comprises: moving a first animal on a substantiallyhorizontal path from an area that contains a plurality of animals into afirst compartment of the loader; moving the first animal on thesubstantially horizontal path from the first compartment into a secondcompartment of the loader; changing an elevation of the secondcompartment relative to the first compartment while the first animal isin the second compartment; moving a second animal on the substantiallyhorizontal path from the area into the first compartment while the firstanimal is in the second compartment; and moving the first animal fromthe first compartment and into a third compartment before moving thefirst animal from the third compartment to the second compartment. 19.The method of claim 18 wherein the animal in the third compartment ismoved to the second compartment before changing the elevation of thesecond compartment.